I had a really interesting conversation with my (non-quilty) sister. She mentioned not knowing what the different sewing terms were when making a quilt.

I was caught by surprise.

“Sewing” terms? Did she mean “quilting” terms? Any person who has been quilting for a while would not consider what she was doing as “sewing.” This was my first indication that I was actually a quilter, and that I don’t consider myself a “sewer” or “sewist” - haha - whatever the term is.

I am a quilter.

For the purposes of this blog, I will be making a distinction between sewing and quilting. The process of sewing - ie connecting two or more pieces of fabric using thread - is used for quilting. Quilting the sewing together of two or more layers of fabric stitched together to make a blanket or other thicker project. Quilting usually has three layers - the top, the batting (middle layer that’s thicker), and back.

Sewing can be done to make garments, bags, alterations, curtains, and all kinds of other projects. Sewing can be done to attach one substrate to another, or as a visual interest. Think embroidery, or fancy stitches.

You can quilt a project that is not a quilt.

Confusing? Maybe, until you have a full understanding of the terminology. If you take multiple layers, and sew them together in straight lines from one end to the other, you can create a quilted piece that forms the body of a bag, for instance.

You can use a regular sewing machine to make the top of a quilt, and even for quilting. There are also specialty quilting machines that are made for puncturing the thick layers, and making decorative stitches in straight lines or shapes.

Still have questions about sewing versus quilting? Sew do I. (pun). Ask away!